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T O P I C R E V I E W

heng44

This photo was taken following the last captive-active test flight of the shuttle prototype Enterprise aboard NASA shuttle carrier aircraft # 905 on July 26, 1977. The landing gear of Enterprise was lowered during the final portion of the flight. The men pictured include the flight crews of both craft. From left are SCA pilot Fitz Fulton, Enterprise pilot Gordon Fullerton, SCA flight engineer Vic Horton, Enterprise commander Fred Haise, SCA flight engineer Vincent Alvarez and SCA co-pilot Tom McMurtry.

Ed Hengeveld

garymilgrom

What a unique config with the gear down. Thanks Ed.

Hart Sastrowardoyo

I see there was enough clearance for the nose gear, but did the main gear just clear the side of the SCA, or is that the angle of the photo?

heng44

You are right: there was very little clearance, but apparently just enough.

dabolton

What was the purpose of this test? Ferrying with wheels down would not seem like a necessary concept to prove.

space1

...but verification of proper gear deployment before committing to free flights would be useful.

heng44

Exactly! The next flight would be the first free flight.

Max Q

quote:Originally posted by space1:...but verification of proper gear deployment before committing to free flights would be useful.

Traditionalist.

bwhite1976

I never thought about this until I saw that hatch wide open. Haise and Fullerton had an interesting ride just to get into the Enterprise on that cherry picker. Interesting.

heng44

The cherry-picker was to get them out. They went in via the Mate-Demate Device...

dabolton

One of the concerns with a belly landing of a Shuttle was the RCS exploding; could they have belly landed Enterprise because it wasnt loaded with any propellant?

astro-nut

Another excellant photo!!! Thank you for sharing with us. Any photos of the orbiters with the SCA are great photos!